Gold bars worth $1.9M sought by police

'Fraudulently obtained' bank draft used to purchase bars in Montreal

Toronto police say 75 of these 10-ounce gold bars were among those purchased with a 'fraudlently obtained' bank draft. (Toronto Police Service)

Toronto police are appealing to the public to help them find $1.9 million in distinctive gold bars they say were "fraudulently obtained."

The bars were bought in Montreal sometime between Feb. 9 and Feb. 11, a police release says.

A "fraudulently obtained" bank draft in the amount of $1,895,751 was used to purchase the bars, police said.

The purchase included 75 gold bars, weighing 10 ounces each, that were manufactured by the Perth Mint in Australia.

Investigators allege Senthuran Kanapathipillai, 32, of Toronto, had one of the gold bars and was charged with possession of property obtained by crime.

Police say Thevarajah Thambipillai, 55, of Toronto, tried to sell one of the bars and was charged with possession of property obtained by crime.

"Members of the public working in the jewelry and metal industry are being advised of the possibility that persons may attempt to pass these fraudulently obtained gold bars at their places of business," police said.

The bars bear the symbol of the Perth Mint on one side and kangaroos imprinted on the back, police said.

The Canadian Bankers Association is offering a $50,000 reward for anyone who can provide information that leads to the recovery of the bars, and the arrest and conviction of anyone involved.